05.06.2026 20:10
The Irish Department of Justice has imposed a travel ban on Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, barring them from entering the country. The travel sanction, justified by their role in deepening the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, took effect directly without requiring parliamentary or cabinet approval.
Ireland has taken a radical step in the diplomatic arena against the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, one that will be widely discussed. The Irish Ministry of Justice has imposed an entry ban on Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. This decision, which came into effect directly without requiring parliamentary or cabinet approval, has resonated broadly in international public opinion.
PRIME MINISTER GAVE THE ORDER: "THEY WILL BE BLOCKED WHEREVER THEY ARE SEEN"
In an official statement from the Irish Ministry of Justice, it was emphasized that the sanction decision was taken on the direct instruction of Prime Minister Micheal Martin. The ministry stated, "The Ministers for Justice and Home Affairs have instructed their officials in line with the Prime Minister's announcement to take action to prevent entry into our country of members of the Israeli government who have contributed to the growing catastrophe in Gaza." In line with the definitive order, if Ben-Gvir and Smotrich attempt to enter Irish borders, their entry will be immediately prevented by border officials.
"THEIR WORDS REVEAL A DESIRE TO DESTROY THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE"
Speaking at the European Union-Western Balkans Summit in Montenegro, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin summarized the tough stance behind the decision with these words: "The words of Ben-Gvir and Smotrich clearly reveal a desire to destroy the Palestinian people." Martin argued that the international community must take a common stance against such fascist rhetoric and emphasized that this step should not be limited to Ireland alone.
A DEFIANT CALL TO THE EU: "WE WILL DO IT EVEN WITHOUT SUPPORT"
Stating that the hate speech and war-mongering statements of the Israeli ministers should not go unpunished, Prime Minister Martin also made a clear call to the European Union. "In my view, their actions warrant sanctions at the EU level," said Martin, declaring that they would not back down even if Brussels fails to act, with these words: "We will try to do this regardless of whether we get enough support from the EU." France and Poland had previously made similar decisions.